Police order gang bosses not to reward yakuza hit men who attack rivals

Police have ordered 28 gang bosses across the country not to reward their members who have shot or attacked rival yakuza in gang wars, National Police Agency (NPA) officials said.

Fifteen police departments, including the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and Osaka and Fukuoka prefectural police, issued the orders under the revised anti-gang law that took effect in August.

Crime syndicates often promote or give cash rewards to members when they are released from prison after serving time for attacking rival yakuza in gang wars, according to NPA officials.

The orders are aimed at banning such practices and helping prevent gang wars.

The orders issued this time were provisional ones. After questioning the gang bosses, the police departments will issue full-scale orders, the NPA officials said.

September 17, 2008

Mainichi